Al Ahly Benghazi completed an unbeaten 7-0 run to win the West Elite 16, overpowering JCA 105–92 behind former London Lion hero, Tomislav Zubcic’s leadership and outstanding depth. Their dominance secures momentum and positions them as major contenders entering the 2026 BAL season.
Last Updated on
November 17, 2025
After five intense days of competition in Praia, Cape Verde, Al Ahly Benghazi reaffirmed its status as a top contender by clinching the West Division Elite 16 title, a day after securing a ticket to the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season.
Their commanding 105-92 victory over Jeuness Club d'Abidjan (JCA) not only highlighted their squad's collective high-IQ and resilience but also marked their undefeated run in the qualifiers, finishing with a perfect 7-0 record.
From the tip-off, Benghazi established dominance, taking an early lead that they maintained throughout the game. Their physicality, rebounding prowess, and shooting accuracy overwhelmed JCA, which entered the match aiming to maintain its winning streak.
Benghazi's offensive firepower was on full display, as the Libyans ended the first quarter with a 34–22 lead and went to the locker room with a 14-point advantage (60–46). Former London Lion forward, Tomislav Zubcic, led the charge with an impressive 24 points, shooting 9-for-18, and was instrumental in disrupting JCA's defence.
Marcos Knight contributed 21 points, Sofian Hamad added 18, and Jonathan Jordan chipped in with 17, showcasing a well-rounded offensive attack. JCA's Jonathan Cisse was a bright spot for the Ivorians, leading all scorers with 27 points. Andrew Edogi (14), Babatunde William (12), and Mike Yayo (13) also made significant contributions, but their efforts weren't enough to overcome Benghazi's formidable front.
Benghazi's dominance extended beyond scoring. Their bench outperformed JCA's reserves significantly, outscoring them 41-21. This depth and stamina proved crucial in maintaining their lead and controlling the game's tempo.
This victory marks a historic achievement for Libyan basketball, as Al Ahly Benghazi becomes only the second Libyan team to win a conference, following Al Ahly Tripoli's success in 2025, where they won the Elite 16 and went on to lift the BAL title.
With their undefeated record and a confident win in Cape Verde, Al Ahly Benghazi has firmly positioned themselves as one of the premier teams heading into the 2026 BAL season. Their victory underscores their strength, depth, and determination, promising exciting prospects for Libyan basketball on the continental stage.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA/Road to BAL]
